Specific peptide fragment of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and its use as a diagnostic reagent

Abstract

Specific peptide fragment from the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and its use as a diagnostic reagent. The said peptide fragment, derived from the Env protein of the Wo strain of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) (peptide P253), corresponds to positions 693-709 of the said Env protein and exhibits the following sequence: Leu-Gly-X-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-X-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala-, in which X represents a cysteine or a serine, as follows: Leu-Gly-Cys-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-Cys-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala (SEQ ID NO: 1), Leu-Gly-Ser-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-Ser-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala (SEQ ID NO: 2), Leu-Gly-Cys-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-Ser-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala (SEQ ID NO: 3), Leu-Gly-Ser-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-Cys-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala (SEQ ID NO: 4).

We claim: 
     
       1. A peptide derived from feline immunodeficiency virus strain Wo (FIV Wo ) envelope protein, amino acids 693-703, said peptide having the sequence Leu-Gly-Cys-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-Cys-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala (SEQ ID NO:1).   
     
     
       2. A method of screening for FIV infection comprising a) attaching the peptide of claim 1 to a solid support,   b) contacting a biological sample with the peptide to allow binding of anti-FIV antibodies to the peptide for a time sufficient to form a peptide-antibody complex,   c) reacting said complex with anti-feline antibodies,   d) detecting the anti-feline antibodies if present.   
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2 wherein the anti-feline antibodies have a label selected from the group consisting of a radioisotope, an enzyme, and a fluorophore. 
     
     
       4. A kit for the diagnosis of FIV infection comprising the peptide of claim 1 and suitable buffers, labels, and control sera.